Trump Administration Expands Visa Reviews, Halts Work Permits for Foreign Truck Drivers
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration announced Thursday that it is reviewing the records of more than 55 million people holding valid U.S. visas for potential violations that could result in revocation or deportation, marking a significant expansion of its immigration crackdown.
The State Department said all visa holders are subject to “continuous vetting”, which includes monitoring law enforcement records, immigration history, and any indications of ineligibility. Visas can be revoked if violations are discovered, and those found in the U.S. could face deportation.
Since President Donald Trump returned to office, the administration has intensified efforts to deport undocumented migrants and visa holders who overstay their authorised stay. Officials confirmed that the review now extends beyond students and exchange visitors to include all visa categories, potentially impacting tourists, workers, and long-term residents.
The review process will also incorporate social media screening and digital data collection introduced earlier this year, requiring applicants to disclose online accounts and disable privacy settings during interviews.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. is home to 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million people on temporary visas. The expanded vetting means that even those with previously approved visas may face sudden revocation.
“The State Department has revoked more than twice as many visas — including nearly four times as many student visas — as during the same period last year,” officials said in a statement.
New Restrictions on Foreign Truck Drivers
Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. will stop issuing work visas for commercial truck drivers, effective immediately.
Rubio cited rising safety concerns and competition with American truckers, stating that “the increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers.”
The Transportation Department has also tightened enforcement of English-language requirements for truck drivers, linking past road accidents to language barriers.
The State Department later clarified it was pausing the processing of trucking-related visas while reviewing its vetting protocols, emphasizing that “ensuring every driver meets the highest standards is critical to road safety and supply chain security.”
Broader Immigration Impact
Experts say the measures reflect a broader effort to discourage American employers from relying on foreign labor.
“This action should be seen as part of a concerted effort to warn U.S. companies, universities, and hospitals that hiring foreign workers carries risks,” said Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.
He cautioned that the economic consequences could extend well beyond trucking, affecting industries that rely heavily on foreign talent.
Background
The vast majority of foreigners require visas to enter the United States, with exceptions for short-term visitors from 40 countries in the Visa Waiver Program, largely in Europe and Asia. Citizens of countries such as China, India, Indonesia, Russia, and most of Africa must apply for visas.
Earlier this week, the State Department reported revoking more than 6,000 student visas for overstays or violations of U.S. law, with 200 to 300 cases tied to terrorism-related concerns.
Key Takeaway: The Trump administration’s expanded visa review underscores its aggressive immigration enforcement agenda, raising uncertainty for millions of foreign nationals — from students to truck drivers — living, working, or seeking entry into the United States.